The Mets infield next year could be great or it could be a major problem. Health, age, and experience will all play a factor from first base all the way around the diamond to third base. Let's start at position number 3 in your score book.
The aging Carlos Delgado is a shell of his former self. He has filed for free agency and indications have not shown a concrete thought by Omar Minaya as to whether he is looking to resign the lefty. This is what we know. He will be 38 years old this coming season. Major injury limited him to 26 games this past season. He has shown an ability to carry the team when hot, or totally end a rally consistently when cold. So what do you do? Cut him loose? Incentive-laden one year deal? I will say that barring a trade, he is one of our best options on the free agent market. A guy like Adam LaRoche is intriguing as he is young and had a couple of very solid seasons. He could potentially lock up the position for years, but that would block the future of Ike Davis. I personally am not big on saving positions for a possible star that is still in the minors. What if he doesn't pan out? What if he gets hurt? Signing a guy like LaRoche, while not breaking the bank necessarily, locks you up with a solid performer. I will just throw out the name Adrian Gonzalez as well. I know the Mets don't have the stones to make a play, nor do I think he is available at this point, but wow is that guy a stud. He is healthy, young, and awesome. I would trade for him as a priority if he were available.
My sense is that the Mets still see Daniel Murphy as a viable first baseman. Horrible. They may try and pair him with a right handed hitter as a platoon to try and get through the year hoping Davis can contribute soon. I would gather this would happen especially if the break the bank on Holliday as they are not known for actually spending a lot on multiple players in the same off season.
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